The Dream Trip - Chapter 16

Morning came all too quickly with the late night, early morning, celebration with the lads that the girls had all enjoyed. It was time to pack up and head back to Dublin for one last night in Ireland. Suitcases were bursting at the seams and there were still a few more souvenirs to purchase for friends back home. For one last time the girls loaded the car and headed east.

All during their ride they chatted about all the places they had seen, places they had missed and plans to make another trip to Ireland as soon as they could. Even with all that, most of their conversation centered around meeting Ryan, Paul, Damian and Keith. They considered themselves to be very lucky to have met some amazing talented lads all by chance.

Briana brought up Damian's comment about seeing her in the States and the other girls agreed that there must have been some hidden message in what the lads were telling them. There was not enough information for them to figure this out, and they decided to wait for the adventure to come to them as they had when they planned their trip to Ireland.

Accommodations for the night were a splurge at the Fitzwilliam Hotel. It was close to St. Stephen's Green and also Grafton Street and all the shopping they would need for the day. Most other locations were within walking distance. The girls drove out to the airport first to drop off the car and took a taxi back into town. They didn't want to have to deal with trying to return the car early in the morning and then checking in for their flight. It seemed that the clerk at the front desk at the hotel knew them, but they had never met before.

They were escorted up to their room and were very surprised when the door was opened. This was no regular room, it was a suite! Not what they had signed up for. As Mona turned to the bellman, he smiled and said, “This was what they wanted for you.” And the girls knew at once that their lads had something to do with this. As they entered the room there was a huge bouquet of flowers on the center table with a note.

“We couldn't let you four beautiful ladies leave Ireland without a last night to remember. We can't be with you, but we have made arrangements for the evening. Be downstairs dressed for an evening out in 'the big smoke' at 7:00.” signed Paul, Ryan, Keith and Damian.

The girls were without words. This was truly a dream trip. They had no idea what to expect, but started getting ready as soon as they read the note. When they arrived in the lobby there was a college aged girl who approached them.
“Hi girls, me name's Aisling and the lads have given me instructions to help you have a great last night here in Dublin,” Aisling told the girls. “So let's get going!”

Aisling was great, and the girls liked her immediately. They headed toward Temple Bar and Oliver St. John Gogarty's. for some Irish dance lessons and a trad music session while they had some drinks. Aisling took pictures as the girls each had their try at dancing. Before long they were all sitting and heartily laughing.

“Time to move on girls,” Aisling directed, “We've got more to do this evening.”

Aisling hailed a taxi and as they all climbed in she directed the driver to the Gaiety Theater. As they pulled up there was a huge crowd outside starting to enter. The Gaiety was a restored Victorian theater originally built in 1871. The restoration was amazing right down the to old fire curtain. The production this night was Riverdance.

“Can't let you lassies leave without seeing an Irish production of Riverdance,” Aisling said. “I'll meet you all outside after the show. I've a few last minute things to take care of for the lads.”

The show was great and so were the second row seats. The girls could closely see the dance steps and movement of the dancers feet. Great music, costumes, and a wonderful overall performance.

As the girls left the theater Aisling was outside with another taxi.
“One last stop tonight girls and I hope this one really makes your trip memorable. Ha' Penny Bridge, driver,” Aisling shouted to the taxi driver.

The girls and Aisling exited the taxi at the Ha' Penny Bridge. As they girls headed toward the bridge access they noticed some bright lights and a set up that looked like a movie set.

“Okay, girls, this is your moment in the spotlight. You are each going to have a photo shoot and short video to make,” Aisling was smiling as she explained. “You will get both to keep, but so will the lads! So think carefully about what you say!”

After a short consultation with photographer, and each other, the girls started their video blog and photo shoot. Mona spoke about her expectations for an adventure in her trip and how honored she was to meet such a gentleman as Paul. Darcy spoke about how beautiful and scenic the landscape was everywhere they traveled, especially Giant's Causeway where she first met her 'hero', Ryan. How lucky she was to meet such a caring man. Briana followed with her blog to Damian. Briana's biggest memory was the time she spent walking the ancient walls of Derry. How amazing to be able to play some soccer in Derry with Damian. She apologized for beating him even if it was two on one! And finally Caitlin did her video memory including Keith. She mentioned how she would always be on the look out for another Big Red and definitely wanted to take some surfing lessons. Watching the surfers along the coast was a special memory. Yeowww!! She told him how he made her smile and how much she loved his voice when he sang.

After the video blogs the photographer set up the girls along the bridge edge for some solo photos and a few group photos. As this all happened the girls noticed that they had drawn quite a crowd thinking that they might be celebrities. They giggled at the thought as they finished up the photo shoot.

It was getting into the wee hours of the morning and the girls had an early flight. Aisling rode back to the hotel with them in the taxi and bid them farewell. They exchanged addresses so they could keep in touch and invited Aisling to come to America as they would love so show her around.

As the girls did their last packing they chatted about how amazing this last evening had been. They wanted to make sure to call each of the lads before the plane took off to thank them for this incredible evening and everything they had done. They couldn't wait to get the videos and pictures.